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comprehensive application p r o c e s s o v e r s e e n b y t h e E u r o p e a n C o m m i s s i o n , where applicants must pro- vide an exhaustive descrip- tion of the product, delineate its production methodology, and specify its geographical origin. This application is then scrutinized by a panel of experts to ascertain whether the product meets all the cri- teria to obtain the status. Once conferred, the GPI status acts as a legal safe- guard governed by EU law: t h i s m e a n s t h a t o n l y t h e products that have under- gone this meticulous certifi- cation process can be market- ed as GPI. The efficacy of the GPI status in preserving the integrity of regional food and wine products is well-docu- mented across the EU, and this is perhaps the main rea- son behind the call on the European Parliament and the C o u n c i l o f t h e E u r o p e a n Union to support the propos- al for the extension of GPI status also to non-agricultur- al products. The magnitude of what the extension of the denomina- tion to crafts could mean lies all in the results of a study by the European Union Intellec- tual Property Office (EUIPO), i s o n l y a v a i l a b l e f o r f o o d products and wine, but talks about extending its scope onto traditional crafts across the EU have been on the table for at least two years. Estab- l i s h e d b y t h e E u r o p e a n Union in 1992, the certifica- tion serves as a seal of quality assurance, as it is awarded to products that are intrinsically tied to a specific geographical region and possess unique qualities or a reputation that c a n b e a t t r i b u t e d t o t h a t locale. In essence, a GPI-cer- tified product is unique to its region and cannot be authen- tically replicated anywhere else. The implications of a GPI certification are manifold. Firstly, it safeguards the rep- utation of regional specialties by setting stringent quality and origin criteria. Secondly, it stimulates rural and agri- c u l t u r a l e c o n o m i e s b y encouraging the production of these unique goods. Third- ly, it levels the playing field by eliminating unfair compe- tition and consumer decep- tion, ensuring that only certi- fied products can bear the PGI label. Because of the importance of its meaning, the journey to PGI certifica- tion is rigorous: it involves a according to which counter- feiting and piracy drain €60 billion annually from the EU economy. The extension of PGI status to non-food items c o u l d m a r k a p i v o t a l m o m e n t , p a r t i c u l a r l y f o r Italy, as it promises to be a powerful tool in the fight against counterfeiting, while also championing traditional craftsmanship and sustaining the livelihoods of artisans. Two years ago, Sebas- t i a n o C o s t a l o n g a , t h e Venice Councilor for Com- merce and Productive Activi- ties, participated in a webinar organized by the European Committee of the Regions. The focus was on creating a PGI mechanism for tradition- al artisanal products: for Venice, this became a mis- sion to preserve its unique c r a f t s , a n d C o s t a l o n g a e m p h a s i z e d t h e n e e d f o r European institutional recog- n i t i o n t h r o u g h a P G I f o r Murano glass and Burano lace in particular. The city garnered support f r o m v a r i o u s E u r o p e a n regions, provinces, and cities, all collaborating to develop a mechanism that would not only boost local economies but also preserve European cultural heritage. "In Venice, we have artisans unique in their field, artisans the whole world admires," Costalonga declared. The aim was clear: to safeguard the tradition and v a l u e o f l a c e m a k e r s a n d glass masters, ensuring that Venice continues to be the creator of globally recognized and coveted works. Last week, Costalonga flew to Brussels with a delegation to discuss the PGI status for these artisanal products: the European Parliament has approved the regulation for new non-food GPIs in its first reading. "The finish line is finally within our reach," says Rosanna Conte, a member of the European Parliament, who has been at the forefront of the initiative along with Costalonga since 2021. However, the process is far from over. The regulation will be definitively adopted and applied in 25 months, pend- ing the Council of the Euro- pean Union's position. ca sand at high temperatures and adding various minerals to create a spectrum of col- o r s . T e c h n i q u e s s u c h a s millefiori, where cross-sec- tions of a glass cane form intricate floral patterns, and sommerso, a layering tech- nique that creates a sense of depth, showcase the ingenu- ity and skill of Murano's arti- sans. Murano glass is a cele- b r a t i o n o f c r e a t i v i t y a n d mastery, where each piece is a unique expression of an artisan's skill and vision. The island is also famous for its c h a n d e l i e r s , k n o w n a s "Murano chandeliers," which grace palaces and high-end residences worldwide. In the times of the Venetian Repub- lic, the art of glassblowing in Murano was so revered that it was considered treason for a glassblower to leave the island and share their craft elsewhere. But let's travel back to modern-day Europe, where the risks for these incredible treasures come from coun- terfeiting and the widespread sale of cheaply-made copies, reason for which obtaining PGI status has been a long- awaited move for Venice. A s m a n y o f y o u k n o w , PGI status, at the moment, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 2023 www.italoamericano.org 18 L'Italo-Americano IMPRESA ITALIA MADE IN ITALY TOP BRANDS BUSINESS & ECONOMY M u r a n o glass and B u r a n o l a c e t r u l y s t o o d t h e test of time. Originating from - and deeply connected to - the very heart of La Serenis- sima, these traditional crafts are not just a source of local pride but also a significant part of Italy's cultural her- itage. Now, finally, they are on the cusp of receiving a new layer of protection and recognition through the Indi- cazione Geografica Protetta (IGP) status, or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in English. If you have been to Venice, you're likely familiar with the crafts protagonists of this article. In Burano, lace- making is a centuries-old tradition that has its roots in t h e 1 6 t h c e n t u r y . T h e a r t gained prominence during t h e V e n e t i a n R e p u b l i c , becoming a status symbol among the European élite: its i n t r i c a t e p a t t e r n s , o f t e n inspired by nature and geom- etry, require an exceptional level of skill and patience, and they are typically made using a needle and thread, a technique known as "needle lace:" it is a beautiful, yet dif- ficult technique, and it can t a k e m o n t h s t o c o m p l e t e even a small piece, such as a d o i l y o r a c o l l a r . T h e m a e s t r e m e r l e t t a i e or master lace makers, are the g u a r d i a n s o f t h i s a n c i e n t craft, which they practice and teach to this day so that it can b e p r e s e r v e d a n d p a s s e d down through generations. Once upon a time, Burano lace was so prized that it was often used in trade negotia- tions and as a diplomatic gift. Murano, another Venet- ian island, is on the other hand, synonymous with glass making—an art form that has flourished there since the 13th century. The maestri vetrai, or master glassmak- ers, are akin to alchemists, transforming raw materials into intricate works of art: the process involves melting sili- GIULIA FRANCESCHINI GPI status for Venice's lace and glass: the end line is in sight! A woman working needle lace (Photo: Toldiu74/Dreamstime) and (right) the colorful houses and lace selling stalls in Burano (Photo: Wessel Cirkel/Dreamstime)

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